Sustainability – Hiland Dairy

A Story of Sustainability

At Hiland Dairy, we strive to lessen our environmental impact, use resources wisely, support economic stability, and maintain social responsibility. Sustainability is not just something we do—it’s part of who we are.

We align with the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment, ensuring transparency and progress toward a sustainable future. By working with our partners and implementing innovative solutions, we strengthen the dairy industry while protecting vital resources.

Sustainability at Hiland Dairy:
Our Pledge to People and Progress

Sustainability is a fundamental part of Hiland Dairy’s identity. We are committed to transparency in our efforts, progress, and future goals.

Our Vision & Philosophy

We believe U.S. dairy can be a force for positive change, contributing to the well-being of both people and the industry.

We strive to meet today’s economic, social, and environmental needs while preserving resources for future generations

Sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s part of how we operate every day

Our business practices reflect responsible operations and a commitment to fair working conditions for all employees

Innovation for a Sustainable Future

At Hiland Diary, we focus on continuous improvement to meet our customers’ evolving needs.

Packaging Innovation

We are advancing packaging solutions to reduce waste while maintaining product quality. In-Mold Label (IML) technology, used for our sour cream, cottage cheese, and dips, supports recyclability while keeping products fresher for longer.

Smart Resource Management

Hiland Dairy prioritizes efficiency and conservation:

Optimized fleet routes to minimize fuel use and emissions

Recycling plastics through our packaging program

Energy-efficient LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption

Water recycling initiatives to ease strain on municipal systems

Environmental Responsibility

Water Conservation

In Chandler, OK, Hiland Dairy’s wastewater recycling system treats up to 250,000 gallons of water daily, reducing strain on municipal water systems while irrigating crops for cattle feed.

Sustainable Sourcing

We select vendors who share our commitment to sustainability, including those implementing energy-saving processes that reduce wastewater and CO2 emissions.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

Hiland Dairy is proud to align with the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment and its environmental goals to:

Achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050

Optimize water use with an emphasis on recycling

Improve water quality through sustainable nutrient management practices

Waste Reduction

Our Norfolk, NE facility partners with a vendor to use 100% recycled packaging materials, saving over:

322 cubic yards of landfill waste

1,600 trees annually

683,000 gallons of water

Workforce & Community Impact

A Hiland Dairy delivery driver stands in front of a company-branded refrigerated truck, holding a handheld scanner and wearing a Hiland Dairy jacket. A black crate filled with dairy products sits in the foreground, ready for delivery.

Our People: The Heartbeat of Hiland Dairy

With nearly 4,000 employees across 18 processing plants and 64 distribution centers, our workforce is the backbone of our operations.

We invest in:

Company Culture: A family-like atmosphere, appreciation events, and employee well-being

Learning & Development: Ongoing training for future opportunities

Food Safety & Quality: Rigorous protocols for excellence

Health & Nutrition

Hiland Dairy provides essential nutrients to nourish families:

Immune Support: Dairy helps support natural defenses and overall wellness

High-Quality Protein: Dairy is a natural source of essential protein to support every life stage

Critical Nutrients: Milk is a rich source of calcium, potassium, and vitamin D

Brain Development: Dairy provides 7 of the 14 essential nutrients for early childhood growth

Gut Health: Fermented dairy introduces beneficial bacteria for digestion

A young girl sits at a wooden kitchen table, sipping a glass of milk while enjoying her breakfast. In the softly blurred background, a mother and younger sibling share a moment in the warm, sunlit kitchen.

A woman in a bright orange athletic jacket runs on a track, her hair flowing behind her as she moves with determination. The background features a sports stadium with a green field and empty stands under a blue sky.

Community Support

Hiland has 18 plants deeply rooted in their communities, growing good, and giving back every year. From chocolate milk at the end of a race to supporting sports teams and much more, we love to be actively engaged. Read more here

Case Studies: Sustainability in Action

Real-World Impact

At Hiland Dairy, we believe progress happens through action.
Here are some of our recent sustainability initiatives:

Chandler, OK: Wastewater recycling system treats 250,000 gallons daily

Norfolk, NE: 100% recycled packaging, saving 1,600 trees annually

Norman, OK: LED lighting upgrades cut electricity consumption by 30%

Springfield, MO: Plastics baler improved waste management and reduced trips to recyler.

These projects reflect our shared commitment to sustainability, responsible operations, and environmentally friendly practices.

A worker in a white lab coat, hairnet, and safety glasses walks through an industrial facility with large stainless steel pipes and storage tanks under a bright blue sky.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainability

A lab technician wearing a navy blue jacket and beanie closely examines a sample through a microscope in a laboratory setting. The background features white walls, shelves, and lab equipment, suggesting a controlled and sterile environment.

Commitment to Transparency

We believe in tracking and reporting our sustainability progress. In 2023, we set a new data collection baseline to ensure accuracy and meaningful impact.

Continuous Improvement

Our future goals include:

⦾ Expanding sustainable packaging solutions

⦾ Increasing waste and water recycling efforts

⦾ Strengthening responsible sourcing partnerships

Hiland Dairy is committed to steady, thoughtful progress that drives real change.